All 40 individuals who lost their lives in the New Year’s Eve bar fire in Switzerland have now been positively identified, as confirmed by authorities on Sunday. More than half of the deceased were teenagers, with the final 16 victims recently identified by Valais Police following the tragic incident at the Crans-Montana mountain resort on January 1.
This devastating fire, considered one of Switzerland’s worst disasters in recent history, has triggered an overwhelming wave of sorrow across the nation. Switzerland is set to observe a national day of mourning in the coming week to honor the victims.
In a poignant display of solidarity, hundreds of individuals participated in a somber procession through the cold streets of Crans-Montana to pay tribute to those lost in the fire, which also left over 100 people injured. Mourners gathered for a church service where Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey expressed gratitude for the global outpouring of support, including a heartfelt message from Pope Leo XIV.
The tragic event claimed the lives of 26 teenagers, including a 14-year-old French national and a 14-year-old Swiss individual, among others. The victims hailed from various nationalities, with 21 being Swiss citizens, seven French, and six Italian. Additionally, individuals from Romania, Turkey, Portugal, Belgium, as well as dual nationals and a 15-year-old girl with multiple citizenships were among those who perished.
Arthur Brodard, a 16-year-old Swiss boy, was confirmed as one of the deceased by his mother, Laetitia Brodard-Sitre, who expressed her grief on social media.
Switzerland’s national president, Guy Parmelin, announced that the country will observe a national day of mourning, with church bells ringing nationwide and a moment of silence planned to commemorate the victims.
The fire’s origin has been linked to “fountain candle” sparklers held too close to the bar’s ceiling at the Constellation bar, according to the region’s chief prosecutor. Investigations have led to two individuals associated with the bar facing criminal charges, including homicide by negligence. They are also being probed for allegations of negligent bodily harm and causing a fire inadvertently.
Efforts are underway to provide specialized medical care to the 119 injured individuals, with some patients already transferred to clinics in Belgium, France, Germany, and Italy for treatment. The two suspects are under investigation but have not been detained as there are no indications of them trying to evade legal proceedings.